Fifth death in Dutch Royal birthday crash

By
Euronews

A fifth person has now died after a car crashed into crowds of wellwishers celebrating the birthday of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands. The driver was critically injured in the incident; 12 bystanders were also hurt. The Royal Family was waving to crowds from an open-top bus in the town of Apeldoorn east of Amsterdam when the drama unfolded. The car careered through the crowds before smashing to a halt.

“Based on the police’s initial questioning of the suspect, it seems the attack was aimed at the Royal Famly. There is one person in custody, a 38-year-old man,” said prosecutor Ludo Goosens.
The Royal party watched in shock as medics treated the injured. Queen Beatrix herself was visibly shaken when she appeared on television later.
“What started as a beautiful day has ended in terrible drama,” she said. “We are all shocked. Everyone who saw what happened, who was there or who watched on television is filled with disbelief.”
The driver has been charged with attempted assault against the Royal Family, who normally enjoy an easy and happy relationship with the Dutch people.